"Yes, I'm not badly off," said Ferrier; "I'm almost the last of my
family; and a lot of money has found its way to me first and last. It's
been precious difficult to know what to do with it. If Oliver Marsham
had stuck to that delightful girl I should have left it to him."
Sir James made a growling sound, more expressive than articulate.
"As it is," Ferrier resumed, "I have left half of it to my old Oxford
college, and half to the University."
Chide nodded. Presently a slight flush rose in his very clear
complexion, and he looked round on his companion with sparkling eyes.
"It is odd that you should have started this subject. I too have just
signed a new will."
"Ah!" Ferrier's broad countenance showed a very human curiosity. "I
believe you are scarcely more blessed with kindred than I?"
"No. In the main I could please myself. I have left the bulk of what I
had to leave--to Miss Mallory."
"Excellent!" cried Ferrier. "She treats you already like a daughter."
"She is very kind to me," said Sir James, with a touch of ceremony that
became him. "And there is no one in whom I feel a deeper interest."
"She must be made happy!" exclaimed Ferrier--"she _must_! Is there no
one--besides Oliver?"
Sir James drew himself up.
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